By Terra Maples
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) launched an investigation, May 6, after receiving a report that a 9 year old juvenile had been communicating via text messages and social media platforms with a 27 year old man residing in Georgia. According to the HCSO the case was assigned to an investigator, who immediately subpoenaed digital data tied to both the juvenile and the suspect. Through the investigation, the suspect was identified as Trionta Johnson, of McDonough, Georgia.
It was discovered that Johnson had allegedly engaged in a grooming pattern through back-and-forth messaging with the child, which ultimately escalated to him sending a nude video of himself to the minor.
The HCSO investigator collaborated with investigators from the Henry County Police Department in Georgia, forwarding them the collected evidence.
A Henry County investigator made contact with Johnson, who admitted during an interview to knowingly sending explicit material to the child.
Based on the investigation and Johnson’s confession, warrants were obtained for the following charges in Holmes County: Transmitting harmful material to a minor; using an electronic device to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a minor; unlawful use of a two-way communication device; abuse or neglect of a child; and transmitting pornographic material by electronic device
Sheriff John Tate issued the following statement:
“Let this serve as a strong warning to parents and guardians: predators are actively using phones and social media to target children. Please stay involved. Know who your children are talking to and regularly check their devices. One conversation or oversight can be the difference in protecting them from danger.”
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office stated they remain committed to protecting children and will continue to pursue those who exploit and prey on them, wherever they may be.
Staff Report 